We present here a selection of brief case studies of ways in which farmers have linked with markets, through their own efforts and with assistance from others. Not all can be considered success stories, because in some cases problems have been encountered, but all illustrate different approaches to improving farmers' market access. This site is very much a "work in progress." Comments and additional case studies would be much appreciated. Please contact AGS-registry@fao.org.

Types of linkage

In this limited collection the following broad categories of linkage can be identified:

Farmer-to-trader linkages

Five case studies (from Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand) illustrate how traders and farmers have developed markets together, while one from Syria illustrates the role played by an external organization.
Four studies - from Bangladesh, El Salvador and Indonesia - illustrate the important role played by donors and NGOs, while one, from Viet Nam illustrates the proactive role that traders can play.

Linkages through a leading farmer

Producers in Mindanao, Philippines, sell lettuce to Manila, coordinated by the leading farmer. In Chiang Mai, Thailand a vegetable growers' group markets through their Chairman, who acts as the buyer.

Private company linkages

Of the nine case studies presented here, seven (from Brazil, Ecuador, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Thailand and Viet Nam) show how private companies initiated linkages without outside assistance, while in two cases (South Africa and Zambia) donor or NGO support has been essential.

Cooperative linkages

Nine case studies are presented under this category. Three (Argentina, Costa Rica and Guatemala) involve cooperatives who have developed agribusiness ventures with only limited external assistance. Other cooperative ventures (in Brazil, Ghana, Guatemala, El Salvador and Haiti) have benefited to a greater or lesser extent from external assistance, by governments, donors or NGOs.